Pixlr vs Photopea
Side-by-side comparison of Pixlr and Photopea.
Browser-based photo editing without the software install
Photoshop-compatible image editor that runs in browsers
What they are
Pixlr
Pixlr is a web and mobile photo editor that covers everything from quick retouches to layered compositions, running entirely in the browser with no download required. It attracts social media creators, bloggers, and small-business owners who need Photoshop-adjacent tools without the Adobe subscription cost. The free tier is functional but ad-supported and now leans heavily on AI features that push users toward paid plans. At $1.99 per month the entry plan is genuinely affordable, though the feature set per tier can feel inconsistently gated.
Photopea
Photopea is a free, browser-based image editor that opens and saves PSD, XD, Sketch, PDF, and standard raster formats without any installation. Designers, content creators, and hobbyists use it to retouch photos, build thumbnails, and work with layered files on any device. It mirrors Photoshop's interface closely enough that existing PSD workflows transfer without friction, though ads on the free tier can interrupt focus.
if you need thumbnails and visuals. It has a usable free tier to start with.
- +Runs in any modern browser with no install needed
- +Entry paid plan is very affordable compared to Adobe alternatives
- +Supports layers, masks, and blending modes familiar to Photoshop users
if you need thumbnails and visuals. It has a usable free tier to start with.
- +Runs entirely in the browser with no install required
- +Opens native PSD, AI, XD, and Sketch files accurately
- +Interface closely mirrors Photoshop, reducing the learning curve for existing users
Which to choose
Pixlr and Photopea both cover thumbnails and visuals, so this is a real either-or for some teams. The right pick depends on which one's wider feature set and pricing fit how you work.
Read the full reviews for Pixlr and Photopea.
Pricing checked 7 Jun 2026.